The outlook for this year’s San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) has drastically changed as the SAG-AFTRA strike has officially begun. Many actors have now joined writers in protesting for better wages, working conditions, and benefits, causing significant disruption in the entertainment industry. The ongoing strike forbids actors from promoting their ongoing or upcoming projects, which includes those initially set for the Comic-Con. Consequently, several SDCC panels scheduled for the forthcoming week have already been cancelled.
Prime Video’s ‘Good Omens,’ ABC’s ‘The Rookie,’ and ‘That ’70s Show’ are amongst the first to announce the cancellation of their SDCC panels today. ‘Good Omens’ has redirected its strategy, transforming the panel and signing event into an early screening of the Season 2 premiere, set to officially air on July 28. ‘The Rookie,’ having recently concluded its fifth season, has rescinded its signing event. ‘That ’70s Show’ wraps up the initial batch of cancellations, foregoing its anniversary panel. Earlier this year, a continuation series named ‘That ’90s Show,’ which centers on Eric and Donna’s daughter Leia, was introduced by Netflix.
With several other panels for currently airing shows lined up, SDCC may experience additional cancellations in the near future. These include panels for ‘Abbott Elementary,’ ‘Futurama,’ ‘The Wheel of Time,’ ‘What We Do in the Shadows,’ among others. Other SDCC sessions include industry experts, comic-related events, and beyond the scope of TV and film.
Image via Prime Video
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All About The SAG Strike You Need to Know
Major Studios Downsize Their SDCC Plans Amid Strike
Before the strike took place, some studios had already chosen to either skip or reduce their usual SDCC presence. Marvel, notably, will not be conducting its customary Hall H presentation, likely due to the impending SAG-AFTRA strike and other factors, including the writers’ strike and allegations against MCU star Jonathan Majors. Universal and HBO are also reportedly contemplating non-attendance, while Lionsgate plans to emphasize its TV line-up, featuring CBS’s ‘Ghosts,’ Peacock’s ‘John Wick’ spin-off ‘The Continental,’ and STARZ’s ‘Heels.’
Keep an eye on FilmSweep for more updates on SDCC and the SAG-AFTRA strike. You can check out the trailer for ‘Good Omens’ Season 2 below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about SAG-AFTRA strike
What is the SAG-AFTRA strike and how does it affect San Diego Comic-Con?
The SAG-AFTRA strike is a protest by actors and writers for better pay, working conditions, and benefits. It has led to the cancellation of panels at San Diego Comic-Con, as actors are unable to promote their current or future projects, including those originally planned for the event.
Which shows have already canceled their panels at SDCC?
Shows such as Good Omens, The Rookie, and That ’70s Show have canceled their panels at San Diego Comic-Con due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. Good Omens has transformed its panel into a screening of the Season 2 premiere episode, while The Rookie canceled its signing event. That ’70s Show will no longer hold its anniversary panel.
Are there more panel cancellations expected at SDCC?
Yes, there is a possibility of more panel cancellations at San Diego Comic-Con due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. Several other shows, including Abbott Elementary, Futurama, The Wheel of Time, and What We Do in the Shadows, have panels scheduled and may potentially cancel in the coming days.
Which major studios have downsized their plans for SDCC?
Marvel has decided not to hold its traditional Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, likely due to the SAG-AFTRA strike and other factors. Universal and HBO are also considering not attending. Lionsgate will focus on its television slate, featuring shows like Ghosts, The Continental, and Heels.
Where can I find updates on SDCC and the SAG-AFTRA strike?
For further news on San Diego Comic-Con and the SAG-AFTRA strike, you can stay tuned to FilmSweep, which provides updates on these topics.
More about SAG-AFTRA strike
- San Diego Comic-Con
- SAG-AFTRA
- Good Omens
- The Rookie
- That ’70s Show
- Abbott Elementary
- Futurama
- The Wheel of Time
- What We Do in the Shadows
- Marvel
- HBO
- Universal
- Lionsgate
4 comments
Bummer that the SAG-AFTRA strike is affecting shows like Abbott Elementary, Futurama, and What We Do in the Shadows at SDCC. Hoping for a quick resolution so we can get back to enjoying our favorite panels and sneak peeks. #SDCC2023 #SupportSAGAFTRA
san diego comiccon is gonna be diff this year cuz of the SAG-AFTRA strike! it’s a bummer that actors can’t promote their shows. good omens, that ’70s show, and more have cancelled panels. major studios like marvel, hbo, and universal scaled back plans too. #SDCC #strike
It’s a shame that the SAG-AFTRA strike is impacting SDCC. Was really looking forward to the panels and updates. Gonna miss the Marvel Hall H presentation. Let’s hope for a resolution and that things get back to normal soon. #SAGstrike #SDCC2023
omg, so sad that Good Omens, The Rookie, and That ’70s Show won’t be at SDCC! Can’t wait for the Good Omens Season 2 premiere tho. Hope the strike ends soon so we can enjoy more panels and news. #SDCC2023 #SAGAFTRAstrike